Mariner of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Enjoyed the Experience but Probably Wouldn't Take this Cruise Again

Sail Date: April 14, 2013

Reviewed:3 years ago

Traveled As: Couple

Room Type: Balcony

The Ship was excellent and well maintained. Most all of the staff was friendly and helpful and the dining experience was very good. Onboard ship activities were good, especially the evening theatre performances as well as the lounge entertainment. Classes held aboard ship were pretty good, but designed to solicit purchasing their products or services. Poolside activities centered appealed mostly for the younger generation and weather precluded these activities on two of the seven days...winds were high and temperatures in the 60's. Alcohol (drinks) was marketed heavily but not overly bothersome. There was only one venue aboard this 3000+ passenger ship for 24-hour light snacks and beverages after 9:00 pm although the light offerings were pretty good. Also, our balcony, although a smoke free stateroom, was located down wind next door to two smokers who smoked constantly on their balcony, so we were barely able to enjoy leaving the doors open or just sitting on the balcony without this experience. Royal Caribbean needs to fix this problem by making it clear during booking where one might truly be smoke free.

Island excursions were typically expensive, averaging around $100 per person and the waiting lines were long and hot. However, the experiences were good and memorable. Would clearly recommend the Stingray experience as well as the Dolphins. Island tours were ok and safe although I would not recommend venturing off by yourself in Jamaca as the excessive swarming by vendors and those wanting to be helpful can be a bit intimidating if not scarey.

Finally, this cruise visited only three islands, so the rest of the time you were at sea. For those who don't like getting off the ship this is great. However, for those who do like to sight-see, shopping aboard or enjoying the ships activities grows a bit old. All in all, we enjoyed the cruise, our first to the Caribbean, but probably wouldn't do this cruise again in order to experience these islands.

Category Ratings

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Food and Dining

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Entertainment

Children's Programs

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Port Ratings

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Tip

Glad we took this cruise. Have been wanting to experience the Caribbean after doing the New England and Alaska Cruises. This curise, however, did not compare to the first two although the ship was excellent.

Loved the Ice Skating show and there was a female commedian on the 3rd night who was excellent. Also, the Riddim Wave band was very good. Production performances about the 60s and 70s and the Jazz concerts were also good. These RC singers and dancers are very talented.

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